Just instlalled a Seldon "Rodkicker"
On 1989 Hunter 33.5. I think Seldon is making spars for the current Hunters. It has a gas shock feature that is supposed to be quieter (no squeaking) than than the spring technology. I suspect, however, that the shock will fall suddenly rather than the gradual weakening of the spring. For some reason the mast fitting on our Z-Spar mast worked well for the Seldon, but I attached a special fitting to the boom. The fitting that I received required eight #10-24 screws that had to be drilled and tapped. I have had the vang for 2 weeks and I don't know how I ever lived without it. (Biggest change may be the fact that I ran the control line for the vang to the coach roof winch.) It makes it easy to trim the boom height and control the shape of the main from the cockpit. The price was about double what Steve reported for the Garhauer but I think the unit is a little lighter so I can carry more wine and beer. You will probably be able to use your rope vang to compress the new "solid" version, but you may need more line to lead it to the coach roof. Good Luck!Ron"Counterpoint"